The Decline of Medium: 6 Key Updates Over 3 Years
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Chapter 1: My Journey on Medium
Since I joined Medium in August 2019, I've accumulated experiences worth sharing with both newcomers and those puzzled by the platform's evolution. While my observations may draw criticism, I urge you to view this narrative as a reflection of my experiences as a creator within Medium.
Medium has established itself as a premier hybrid platform for creators, adept at navigating various challenges while continuing to provide a space for content sharing. However, no product is flawless, and certain changes have compromised its efficacy, adversely affecting the careers of both creators and the platform itself. Over the past three years, Medium has faced significant hurdles.
Despite its stature in the content creation realm, Medium has experienced a shift that has left it distinct from its former self—no longer the robust platform that attracted renowned figures from diverse fields, including politics and the arts.
Here, I will outline six critical updates that have significantly altered how creators engage with Medium, which have contributed to its recent decline.
Section 1.1: The Clapping Mechanism
Initially, Medium's partner program, launched two years ago, allowed creators to earn money through "claps"—a simple way for readers to express appreciation for content. Creators who garnered numerous claps saw their earnings soar, making it a lucrative system. However, in August 2019, Medium announced a transformative change: starting October 2019, monetization would hinge on the number of reads rather than claps.
This shift disrupted the established routine for many creators who relied on claps for income. Now, they faced the challenge of attracting readers rather than simply accumulating claps.
Section 1.2: The Shift to Readings
The rationale behind this change was to level the playing field among creators. Prior to this update, only prominent creators were reaping substantial financial rewards, while newcomers producing equally high-quality content struggled to gain traction. The focus shifted to encouraging creators to engage readers meaningfully, rather than relying on quick claps.
Adapting to this new model took about two months, during which many creators successfully attracted a larger audience. However, this progress was soon threatened by another update.
Subsection 1.2.1: Emphasis on Quality
Medium's curation process, which had been in place since its inception, aimed to showcase the best stories. A dedicated team of curators was assigned to select high-quality content, leading to financial rewards for the chosen creators. Unfortunately, this system led to increased competition among creators, who sought curation while curators enforced strict criteria that often felt arbitrary.
The introduction of external submissions further complicated matters, creating friction between creators and the platform.
Chapter 2: The Clickbait Crisis
In an attempt to combat subpar content, Medium focused on eliminating clickbait. While this initiative initially encouraged creators to enhance their content quality, it ultimately led to an environment where clickbait became prevalent again, undermining the original goals of curation.
The first video titled "Meta Ruined VR..." discusses the broader implications of platform changes on content quality and creator engagement.
Section 2.1: The Rise of NewsBreak
Medium's struggles were compounded by the emergence of NewsBreak, a competitor that targeted discontented Medium creators with lucrative offers. This strategic move attracted a significant number of creators seeking better financial opportunities, destabilizing Medium's creator community.
Medium's response included a restructuring of its content management team and the introduction of bonuses to entice creators back. However, the platform's reputation continued to suffer as many creators expressed feeling undervalued.
The second video titled "Social Media Ruined My Creativity + Channel Update" reflects on the impact of platform dynamics on creativity and content quality.
Section 2.2: The Referral System
In light of ongoing challenges, Medium introduced a referral system to boost monetization. Creators were encouraged to recruit new members via referral links, aiming to restore some financial stability for those feeling abandoned by the platform.
Ultimately, while Medium’s audience remains, the spirit of creativity has shifted. Many creators are now contributing to the platform out of passion rather than financial incentive—a stark contrast to earlier days.
In closing, I recall the essence of our creative pursuits, reminiscent of 2016, fueled by our love for content creation.